Lauron Sanders finds that a positive outlook and a can-do attitude can guide you through difficult situations. So she uses hers to uplift others.

“I've realized that my positive energy and encouraging attitude have made a real difference in the lives around me,” she said. “Being a student athlete, I have had to juggle a lot of things at once—basketball, work and class. I often got asked, ‘How do you juggle everything?’ And I simply say, ‘I keep a positive attitude.’”

In addition to athletics and class, Sanders works three jobs, as a rental manager at The Union at Dearborn, a supplemental instruction instructor and referee for intramural sports.

Sanders, a Society for Human Resources Management member, has earned recognition and honors that include the National Society of Leadership and Success’s Champion of Character award, the UM-Dearborn Athletic Department's Student Leader On and Off the Court Award, the campus "Just Do It" award, the Athletic Director Honor Roll, and the Dean’s List. She’s also been named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Scholar Athlete and to the Wolverine–Hoosier Athletic Conference All Academic Team.

“Every once in a while, there is a student who comes along who successfully engages across many domains of college life, demonstrating vitality and time-management skills well beyond norms,” said Assistant Professor Junghyun Lee. “That is Lauron Sanders.”

Off campus, Sanders helps feed the homeless with her church throughout the year. She also participates in and volunteers for various 5k and 10K races, combining her passions for running and giving back to the community.

Sanders said everyone experiences difficulties; and when she does, she works to see it as an opportunity to learn, grow and develop. Knowing her positivity can help others encourages her to keep smiling.

“Even if I am going through a situation or my spirits are down, I try to lift up the spirits of others,” she said. “Putting a smile on someone else’s face brings me great satisfaction. I aspire to inspire the lives of everyone I come in contact with.”